LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement

LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement Class

The LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement course is available in a variety of formats including both face-to-face and completely online. Our face-t0-face class can is available in a 2-hour and 4-hour version and can include a panel activity with LGBTQ+ law enforcement officers. This training is ideal for in-service personnel and new recruits.

This interactive course includes five modules that are designed to address the following learning outcomes:

The student will explain the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and how these two aspects of identity relate to each other and to race, culture and religion.

The student will define terminology used to describe sexual orientation and gender identity.

The student will identify ways to create an inclusive workplace and to support LGBTQ+ co-workers.

The student will identify key moments in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

The student will understand how hate crimes and domestic violence impact LGBTQ+ people.

Homophobia is fueled largely by fear and a general law of knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity. Non-heterosexuality can pose challenges for conservative belief systems and result in hostile work environments, civil litigation, and less than satisfactory service to the community. Two studies published 2013 and 2015 by UCLA’s Williams Institute showed that homophobia is pervasive throughout law enforcement in the United States. These studies looked at internal and external events with law enforcement and LGBTQ+ people. Our training will prepare law enforcement personnel to effectively serve members of the LGBTQ+ community and create a change of culture inside law enforcement that is more inclusive of LGBTQ+ employees.

We begin this program with a strong statement of intent: “We are not here to tell you that your religious beliefs, personal values systems or morals are wrong. We are here to share information and to help you be a more supportive colleague and more effective in serving the LGBT people in your community. To understand and accept someone else does not require your agreement. As a law enforcement officer, you obligation is to treat everyone fairly and equally, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and regardless of your own personal beliefs.”

It’s not a matter of if or when an LGBT employee will be hired – they are already working in law enforcement organizations throughout the country. The issue is whether or not these colleagues of ours feel confident and comfortable coming out and being out at work. When law enforcement officers understand LGBT colleagues, they are likely to be more comfortable in the field when serving LGBT members of the community.

For California law enforcement agencies, this class meets the requirements of Assembly Bill 2504 and California PC 13519.41 (effective January 1, 2019) and is certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training through the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Training Center. If you are a California law enforcement agency and interested in scheduling this course for your department, we can help facilitate this. Click Here To Contact Us.

This program is 4 hours in length.

Panel Discussion With LGBT Law Enforcement Professionals

One of the most effective ways of learning about the LGBT community is to hear the stories of LGBT people who are working in law enforcement. We have an amazing team of professionals with a wide range of age, rank, and experience. We can bring a panel to your organization or, better yet, bring your organization to the LGBT community. We can immerse you in the LGBT community by providing a walking tour of the historic Castro District in San Francisco and include a round-table style panel discussion with LGBT law enforcement professionals. This experience has received high praise from new recruits to seasoned veterans. Like the programs above, our goals is to increase awareness through education and experience. Our intent is to create a non-threatening open environment where participants can ask questions and engage in discussion with our experts.